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Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Art from St. Agnes Convent, Prague

Turns out that I didn't lose the postcards I'd bought at St. Agnes Convent. I couldn't take pictures or buy a catalogue/picture book of the great works kept there so that was the only way to get images of some of them (aside from hunting all over the internet). Having my trusty scanner, I am able to share them with you. I left the images at full resolution, so click on them to see more detail.

The first is Virgin Mary Expectant Standing, a statue circa 1420 that depicts Jesus's mother while she is still pregnant. Considering all the Madonna with Child statues, frescoes, mosaics, and paintings there are, this is a refreshing change from what you expect. No artist is listed.

Virgin Mary Expectant Standing, c. 1420

Speaking of the Madonna with Child, here is one from an altarpiece by the Master of Trebon called the Madonna of Roudnice, Prague, from about 1385.

Madonna of Roudnice, Prague, c. 1385 by Master of the Trebon

Continuing on in Jesus's early life, here is an Adoration of the Magi, also an altarpiece, but from the Master of the Vyssi Brod around 1350. I like the way the magi is kissing the baby's hand.

Adoration of the Magi, c. 1350 by Master of the Vyssi Brod

Probably from the same altarpiece is this Christ on the Mount of Olives, also by the Master of Vyssi Brod from 1350.

Christ on the Mount of Olives, c. 1350 by Master of the Vyssi Brod

This next piece is St. Jerome. It's by Master Theodoricus painted around 1360. I love how the image spills out onto the frame, matching the larger than life character of St. Jerome.

St. Jerome, c. 1360 by Master Theodoricus

Another larger than life figure painted by Theodoricus is Charlemagne, the 8th century emperor who reunited western Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire. He is depicted as a saint, though his canonization was by the anti-pope Paschall III. Not being officially the pope means Charlemagne is not officially canonized. He was beatified by Pope Benedict XIV (that's two Benedicts before the current pope), so he is a blessed and on his way to canonization. Read more about him here.

St. Charlemagne, c. 1360 by Master Theodoricus

Last we have proof that medieval women were hot! This is Portrait of Eleonora of Toledo by Agnolo Bronzino in 1540. I love the detail on her dress, her serene face, and her penetrating eyes.